K
orean culture is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions with hyper-futuristic influences, and is increasingly enjoying a global impact.
Last year, Euston-based contemporary dance champions The Place put on the UK’s first festival showcasing the work of some incredible dance companies hailing from the peninsula.
And for 2019 the event is back, as five Korean companies, some returning, some new, are in town to perform across a week of special events.
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Highlights include the Modern Table Dance Company performing ‘Sok-do’ (meaning Velocity) on 31st May, where eight virtuoso male dancers dance at a variety of different intensities to live music on the traditional Ajaeng string instrument, now harnessed with rock and hip-hop influences.
Also look out for a double bill on 4th June by Art Project Bora, including ‘Sommo’ (pictured above), a performance named after a Korean mask that uses traditional Asian gestures to convey imagery of the female body through a feminist lens.
And on the final night, June 7th, comes a triple bill of works from companies at the cutting edge of Seoul’s contemporary dance scene, playing with lighting and camera technology to challenge perceptions and raise important questions.
There’s a 20% discount when buying tickets for two or more shows, so this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in Korean culture, old and new, just off the Euston Road.
